Hyponatremic Arrest

[ResTech]

Had a call a few days ago for an unresponsive person on the 2nd floor of a house under construction with no stairs. Found a 23 y/o hispanic male in cardiac arrest... provided standard of care and extricated pt. from roof via our ladder truck in the stokes. Pt. was pronounced at the ED.

One of my co-workers told me tonight that an autopsy showed the pt. died from hyponatremia. When we were working him I even had that thought but was thinking "nah, hyponatremia isn't that common". It was really hot and humid out that day.

Has anyone else come across an arrest of this etiology in the field? It was a really interesting case and was thinking about doing a case study for work. Anyone that can contribute their knowledge on activity induced hyponatremia would be great. Thanks!

 

[VentMedic]

Death from hyponatremia has been a headline catcher in recent months from the fraternity stunts to the radio show contest, all involving deaths.

Overhydration is one cause of hyponatremia in young people. However, there are many medical conditions that can cause it in all ages.

This links has links to the sad recent incidents. You may come across similar situations in the field.

http://www.erowid.org/culture/health/health_water_poisoning.shtml

 

[triemal04]

Most likely cause behind this was simple dehydration. Given that he was a construction worker in Pennsylvania in August...it's a good bet. Or it could have been due to consumption of excess water when he was allready sodium depleted due to working in construction in Pennsylvania in August. Heh.

Hyponatremia would either way have been caused by sweating to much, causing the body to lose sodium and water. If to much was lost...hyponatremia. Or, if a lot was lost and the guy suddenly drank a bunch of water...hyponatremia due to too much water and not enough sodium.

When to much sodium is lost the body will up the production of ADH (anti-diuretic hormone), that'll cause the kidneys to produce a very concentrated urine while retaining as much water as possible. Which probably could cause problems if the person was sodium deficient, drinking water, and not getting rid of any of it.

 

[Trailpatrol]

Hyponatremia

Check out this link to the International Police Mountain Bike Association's web archives, "American College of Sports Medicine Inter-Association Task Force on Exertional Heat Illnesses Consensus Statement" which covers hyponatremia as well as other heat-related illnesses in detail.

http://www.ipmba.org/printables/Heat_Illness.pdf

I have seen a significant increase in early-stage hyponatremia at the marathon and triathlon events that our bike unit works, particularly in warm.hot weather.

Be safe,
Hans

 

[MissEllie]

Hello, New Here!!

Glad to meet all of you! I'm sure I will gain much knowledge.